Entry on the Edge

Images used to illustrate system integration can be misleading. The depiction of an executive staring glassy-eyed out into space, envisioning intergalactic enterprise size systems riding on a virtual infrastructure is not happening yet. System integration is prevalent in security. It’s happening at all levels of system sophistication, just not to the intergalactic extreme.

The best integrated system platforms are truly scalable. They need to be applicable to any size install. For instance, system integration in regard to access control may involve multiple doors and multiple sites but the systems are also efficient and feasible for even a single door. The demand for access control is greater than ever and an integrated system provides a converged solution that offers multiple functions to the end user.

Although the project described here involves only a single site and two doors, we were able to roll out a cutting edge solution. It provided an incredible value to the client in terms of physical security and life safety.

Controlling entry and egress has long been considered great for security but usually sacrificed safety. It also required additional expense, and therefore was only applied to higher end, higher risk applications. Controlling entry and egress provides multiple benefits.

Seeking Approval from All Parties Involved
The system used in this office setting improved the safety and security of its occupants immensely, especially after requesting that the fire marshal approve our plans and the building inspector approve our proposed modifications to the two doors we were working on. The two doors were essentially the premises’ primary emergency exits. Although the Fire Marshal approved our plans, he did not approve of the premises. His visit resulted in not only the installation of failsafe door controls but also a series of fire education seminars on-site and the development of an emergency evacuation plan.
The next step was to win over the users. The employees started to realize that the new system was not the boss trying to snoop on them but instead improved the security and safety of their work environment. Eventually their apathy gave way to a supportive attitude.

One sticky new feature was the Time & Attendance logging we made possible. Logging user activity enables employers to calculate time worked—pretty much everybody knows that. However, beyond calculating wages, knowing who is in the premises is useful to determine behavior patterns and also to develop muster reports in the event of an emergency. A muster report is basically a list of who is in a building at a particular point in time. It is of great value to emergency responders to know beforehand, especially because they put their own lives at risk to save others in a burning building.

Going off without a Hitch
The newly updated Security Door Controls (SDC) Model 1511S EMlocks Exit Check delayed egress, Model MSB550 mechanical switch bars and Model 631 RF power supplies were specified for the project. SDC came out with a delayed egress electromagnetic lock several years ago. This new model combines features of several different models and adds code compliance capabilities at a lower price point.

We were able to configure the 1511S to our exact application. We wanted to lock the doors magnetically without latching hardware. This was partially because of the higher price of a comparable latching delayed egress system and the ease of installation of electromagnetic locks on the type of doors we were working on, and the feature set of the 1511S.
While the AHJ responded favorably to our system design, he still handed us a page out of the 2003 International Fire Code, and told us to be sure our equipment complied. The 1511S, of course, does.

Many delayed egress electromagnets use an integral sensor to trigger the system that someone is attempting to leave the premises, and initiate the delayed egress feature. The 1511S can be field configured for either internal trigger as just described, or for an external trigger. But because of the unique trigger logic and design of the 1511S, I was able to provide the following operational sequence, perfectly tailored to my application:
The electromagnet has essentially three states: Unlocked, Locked, Delayed Egress/Alarm.
By applying a closed dry contact to the bypass terminals of the 1511S, the 1511S is unlocked and it ignores all door movement. This was for momentary bypass, or for extended daytime periods when the building would not be secured. We used the dry contact outputs from the Schlage Locknetics CT1000 to trigger access, egress and daytime bypass.
We wired the 1511S to an external trigger, which was an SDC switch bar mounted on the door.

During those times the door was locked (and the 1511S was therefore “ARMED.” If someone pressed the bar, the 1511S first sounds a warning. If the pressure on the bar exceeds the nuisance time delay, the 1511S goes into the delayed egress unlock cycle. This includes a digital readout that descends from 15 down to 0 while a verbal message and alternating beeping alarm sound. Contacts are provided on the 1511S for remote alarm annunciation.

At the end of the cycle the door unlocks. The audible alarm continues to sound. The door remains unlocked until it is reset with the supplied key and key switch, or with a valid access credential.

If someone pulls on the door from the outside while the system is locked, the 1511S ignores it, since it is looking for a trigger from the bar only.

We used the Schlage Locknetics CT1000 to monitor the door to provide for immediate relocking after a valid door use, and also to provide for a propped door alarm. The CT1000 allowed us to program an ample door open time and an additional grace period. If the door is not closed after both of these periods expire, an alarm occurs. Closing the door resets the alarm. We provided a local audible. If the client wants us to upgrade this we can report a propped door remotely, or trigger a camera and capture pre-alarm video.

The Schlage Locknetics LockLink Express software provides an activity log including card users who used the door, and when the propped door alarm is triggered and when it resets. It is a simple matter to generate a report and determine who was around when the propped door alarm occurred.

The LockLink Express software also logs if the door is forced open (this is hard to imagine given the holding force of the 1511S). We’re providing real time alarm annunciation so a hardwired networked system is unnecessary.

Specifications and Compliance
SDC 1511S System Operation
When unauthorized egress is initiated, the Exit Check delays egress through the door for 15 or 30 seconds. Meanwhile, the person exiting must wait while personnel or security respond. An Integral digital countdown display and voice commands inform the person intending to exit of the seconds remaining to unlock. The door unlocks after 15 or 30 seconds have elapsed, permitting egress. A signal from the fire/life safety system will release the lock for uninhibited egress in an emergency.
1511S OPERATIONAL DESCRIPTION (NFPA-101)

The door is normally closed, secured and/or latched. The 1511S secures the door in the locked condition, and the display shows the preset delay time. Activation of the 1511S Exit Check is made by releasing the door latch and applying up to 15 lbs. of pressure to the door or by pressing the PSB560 Sure Exit request-to-exit bar, giving a pre-activation warning tone. (A one or two second nuisance delay will prevent false activation of the alarm).
When the nuisance delay time has been exceeded, the Exit Check begins the irreversible door release cycle. At this time the display continues to count down, the verbal warning continues and an alarm output is provided to alert personnel of an unauthorized exit.

1511S OPERATIONAL DESCRIPTION (BOCA/Chicago)
The 1511S operation complies with BOCA National Building Code and the Chicago Building Code: UL Listed, Special Locking Arrangements and Auxiliary Locks. The releasing operation of the 1511S is the same as described above, with the exception that the door relocks automatically 30 seconds after closure (reset switch not required). Each time the door is open before 30 seconds has elapsed the relock timer resets and relocks the door in 30 seconds.

INSTALLER SELECTABLE PARAMETERS
RELEASE TIME - The Release time is selectable to 15 or 30 seconds. The Nuisance Delay time period is included in the door release cycle and it will not increase or decrease the “total time to unlock” once the Exit Check is activated.
NUISANCE DELAY - The Nuisance delay time feature, intended to avoid accidental triggering, is selectable for 1 or 2 seconds. Releasing the door latch and pushing on the door will activate the internal trigger sensor.
Activating the trigger beyond the nuisance delay time will start the irreversible Exit Delay cycle time. The Nuisance Delay time period is included in the lock release cycle and it will not increase or decrease the “total time to unlock” once the Exit Check is activated. Releasing the door before the end of the Nuisance delay time will turn off the warning alarm and reset the Exit Check to secure mode.

REQUEST TO EXIT TIME - The Request to Exit (REX) time is selectable to 1, 15, 20, or 30 seconds. The REX time is the period of time the lock will remain “bypassed” after a remote normally open contact switch is momentarily activated. When activated with an access control system, the REX time cycle begins immediately after the access control open time expires.
TRIGGER TYPE - The trigger type is selectable to REMOTE or INTERNAL. Selecting INTERNAL mode uses the internal trigger sensor built into the maglock to activate the Exit Delay cycle. Selecting REMOTE mode disables the internal trigger. Activation of the Exit Delay cycle is triggered by an external exit device equipped with a normally open contact switch. We used SDC exit bars.

POWER-UP OPTION - The power-up option, indicating the state of the Exit Check upon restoration of system power, is selectable to UNLOCKED or LOCKED. In the LOCKED mode, the Exit Check will attempt to reset to secure mode. In the UNLOCKED mode, the Exit Check will remain unlocked and the digital display will indicate two horizontal bars “--” Turning the reset switch momentarily to the reset position (or triggering the BYPASS Terminals) will relock and rearm the door. ALARM TYPE - The alarm type is selectable to TONE ONLY or VOICE. When secure, the Exit Check digital display will indicate a 15 second delay time. Upon activation of the irreversible Exit Delay cycle, the digital display begins counting down to zero. In VOICE mode, the countdown will be accompanied by a warning beeping tone and verbal exit instructions.

MESSAGE TYPE - The message type is selectable to MSG1: (Female Voice) or MSG2 (Male Voice). Both messages repeat “Exit now” until the lock is reset.

SELECTABLE AUTOMATIC & MANUAL POWER-UP - Auto Power-Up occurs when power is restored and/or the fire panel is restored. Manual Power-Up is a UBC & California Building Code Compliant Feature. Only after power restoration and fire panel reset may the lock be reset manually at the opening.

Managing Multiple OpeningsLocknetics CT1000 and CT500 Universal controllers provide access control solutions for doors secured with electrified locking devices. These controllers are managed by LockLink and LockLink Express software, so the same software that programs CT1000 and CT500 Universal controllers can also manage your door and perimeter access trim CM locking systems. This allows you to manage multiple opening types in a facility under one system.

Universal controllers are standalone, hardwired access controllers that can operate on 12/24 VAC/VDC. HID proximity, magnetic stripe cards, iButtons and PIN codes with linked access (prox + PIN, mag + PIN, iButton + PIN) can be supported by the controller, offering the facility a variety of credential options depending on the client’s security needs or having to support an existing system. No network wiring is required. Installation is quick and easy.

CT1000 units provide 1000 user and 1000 audit trail events with SmartTime capability. CT500 units provide 500 user capability with audit trail event tracking. Universal controllers can be programmed and audited by the offline interface ports on the various reader and keypad models available from Locknetics.

When you desire to manage access for multiple users over a variety of openings, universal hardwired CT1000 and CT500 controllers with LockLink and LockLink Express software offer you yet another solution from IR Security & Safety. LockLink and LockLink Express provide easy addition and deletion of users, determine which users can have access to specific doors at specific times throughout the day, and download recorded audit events of who has been through the door and when.